This Land is Your Land

The Nature Conservancy has long recognized the importance of America’s public lands. We have a long history of working with local, state, and federal entities to establish and expand popular and iconic places. Explore some of the scenic lands and waters that the Conservancy has helped to protect for Virginians.

Rappahannock River Valley

The Conservancy transferred Tobys Point to the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge in 1999. As part of a coalition with several other conservation organizations, the Conservancy works with the refuge toward a goal of protecting 20,000 acres along the Rappahannock and major tributaries. Visitor opportunities include fishing, hunting, paddling, photography, wildlife observation, environmental education and interpretive programs.

Dragon Run

Dragon Run State Forest was created in 2008 when federal Forest Legacy funds enabled Virginia’s Department of Forestry to acquire the first of several large tracts from the Conservancy. Today’s nearly 10,000-acre state forest is part of a network of conservation lands covering a remarkable 23 percent of the Dragon Run watershed, a critical feeder of fresh water to the Chesapeake Bay. Dragon Run itself offers one of Virginia’s finest blackwater paddling experiences, and the state forest is open to the public for outdoor recreation.

Mason Neck

Starting in 1967, the Conservancy assembled close to 3,000 acres to build Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. These efforts followed from a grassroots campaign led by Elizabeth Hartwell to encourage the protection of Mason Neck and its bald eagles. The park now offers a wide variety of nature programs and recreation such as hiking, biking and paddling.

The Pinnacle

Since 1989, the Conservancy has worked with Russell County and the commonwealth to protect and expand The Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, one of the most popular and ecologically important resources in the Clinch Valley. This state preserve follows Big Cedar Creek for two miles to its confluence with the Clinch River. The Pinnacle offers views of the namesake towering rock formation and scenic waterfalls, fishing in Big Cedar Creek, hiking, birding and wildlife watching.

Eastern Shore

Expanding Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge has been central to the Conservancy’s partnership with state and federal agencies and even singer James Taylor to preserve globally important habitat for migratory birds. Conservancy contributions to the refuge include Skidmore Island in 1987 and, more recently, Wise Point. Opportunities abound for birding, wildlife watching, fishing, boating and photography.

Ivy Creek

The Conservancy purchased 80 acres in 1975 to establish the Rann Preserve on Ivy Creek. Over the next several years, the Conservancy worked with citizen groups and officials from Albemarle County and the city of Charlottesville to protect the entirety of the former Riverview Farm, which faced impending development. Renamed Ivy Creek Natural Area, the 215-acre preserve today is Charlottesville’s preeminent site for environmental education and recreation.

Great Falls

A 1957 Conservancy booklet — published with support from partners — helped galvanize the public, the media, government officials and other organizations in calling for a park at Great Falls on the Potomac River. The National Park Service protected the land in 1960, and Great Falls Park opened to the public in 1966. Only 15 miles from the nation’s capital, Great Falls Park hosts a half-million visitors annually for activities ranging from picnics to hiking.

The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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